Inside Chiropractic: A Patient's Guide (Consumer Health Library) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Stephen Barrett (Editor) "I have practiced chiropractic full-time for forty-three years..." (more)
Key Phrases: American Chiropractic Association, United States, Innate Intelligence (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent treatise on the current status of chiropractic." - L A Chotkowski, M.D., Amazon.com reader review

Product Description

While chiropractic can provide quality treatment for certain types of back and neck pains and related problems, many health-industry professionals and patients are under the impression that the practice can be used as a method for restoring and maintaining overall health. "Inside Chiropractic" is a clearly presented, practical guide that explores the facts and falsehoods of chiropractic from the view of a doctor with more than forty years of experience in the field-a noted authority on the safe use of chiropractic to treat physical pain. Dr Samuel Homola unleashes a startling critique of the well-established belief that chiropractic can treat infection and disease. Citing the shaky opinions and anecdotal evidence that support chiropractic treatments for a wide range of illnesses, Dr Homola states, 'Many chiropractors believe that correction of mis-aligned vertebrae can restore health and that regular spinal adjustments are essential for maintaining health. There is no definitive, scientific evidence to support such a theory.' "Inside Chiropractic" provides essential information to consumers, physicians, insurance carriers, and all concerned with the field on the origins of chiropractic, doctor education, choosing a good chiropractor, 'sense and nonsense' in the practice, alternative healing, problems and questions that remain in chiropractic, and more.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 270 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1 edition (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573926981
• ISBN-13: 978-1573926980
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #520,304 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for Those Contemplating Chiropractic, January 3, 2000

By	Lauren E. Pomerantz (Montclair, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a well reasoned and rational discussion of the origin of chiropractic, its belief system, its practices, where it is irrational, where it is contraindicated, and where it can actually do some good.

The use of case studies is particularly well thought out. People like to read case studies. The application of theories is always more interesting than the theories themselves. Examples of instances where chiropractic manipulation was able to provide real relief for people suffering from cramped muscles, the effects of poor posture, and locked joints was useful. The cases where Dr. Homola did not treat were also useful. For example, one woman came to him for manipulation for pain. In taking her history he discovered she had had cancer. He referred her to her physician who passed her along to an oncologist, who confirmed that her cancer had metastasized. How a competent chiropractor can help when he recognizes the limits of his ability and what is within and outside his scope of practice will be useful to those contemplating chiropractic.

Dr. Homola spent his life trying to reform chiropractic from the inside out. He suffered greatly for it. Besides the disparaging comments from his colleagues and the isolation he must have felt, I'm sure he suffered financially. (Frankly, I'm sick of hearing how the medical community is trying to keep alternative medicine out because they are greedily hogging the people's money. Dr. Homola is an example of how true the reverse is. It is almost always easier to earn money dishonestly than honestly.)

Dr. Homola has integrity, though, and his book should be required reading for those contemplating a visit to a chiropractor and especially anyone considering becoming a chiropractor.

21 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comments by John Campo, DC, DABQAURP, Tampa, FL, June 4, 2000

By	"healthfriend" (Tampa, FL United States) - See all my reviews

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. Homola's book entitled "Inside Chiropractic - A Patient's Guide". I find that Dr. Homola has performed an enormous job at researching a vast array of chiropractic literature, and presenting such in a consumer oriented format.

I have analyzed the bibliography and find it to be extremely extensive, particulary with references to many of the original chiropractic writings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the historical sections exposing the old time quackery. It was like something out of the "Wild West." Many chiropractors, at this point in time, still adhere to these and other types of nonsense practices, as I've seen presented in many of the current chiropractic trade journals.

I find that Dr. Homola has very eloquently presented an excellent overview of the chiropractic profession, in this comprehensively written book for the consumer.

22 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Here is the deal with this book..., November 7, 2003

By A Customer

Like anything else, extremism is hardly ever good. Straight chiropractors are extreme, and Homola makes valid points when blasting them. Homola feels that chiropractors should deal strictly with musculoskelatal problems.

Chiropractors can do some good for back pain. But understand that there is too much of a supply of chiropractors for the demand for basic back pain, so what they do to get business (and keep you coming in) can be unethical.

I was going to go to chiropractic school before reading this book, but opted for med school. There is really only 2 good schools for chiropractors, that teach science based chiropractic. He points this out well in his book.

If you want know the signs of a good, ethical chiropractor, read this book.